Health roundup: New tick-borne disease found in U.S.

Jan. 18, 2013
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File photo of a female deer tick seen under a microscope in the entomoloy lab in South Kingstown, R.I. Researchers say they have found a new illness spread by the ticks, which also spread Lyme disease. / VICTORIA AROCHO AP

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

Tick illness: Researchers have discovered a new disease spread by the same deer tick that spreads Lyme disease. The unnamed bacterial illness causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, and is treatable with antibiotics. It's the fifth human illness linked to deer ticks common in the northeastern United States. It could explain symptoms in some people who have Lyme-like illnesses but do not test positive for that disease, doctors say. (Boston Globe)

Cancer progress: Cancer death rates in the United States have fallen by 20% in two decades, says the latest update from the American Cancer Society. Researchers credit less smoking and better detection and treatment. (WebMD)

Energy drink concerns: Several lawmakers have asked energy drink marketers to provide Congress with information on ingredients and on risks and benefits for children and young people. This follows reports of rising emergency room visits involving the drinks. The Food and Drug Administration also is investigating the products. (New York Times)

Today's talker: Not all armpits are created equal. As scientists have known for a while, some people have armpits that don't stink, thanks to their genes. A new study finds 78% of British women with those genes used deodorant anyway. It's about following "cultural norms," researchers say. Still, as the Atlantic reports, the scientists didn't have to look far for rule-breakers: the 4.7% of women and 13% of men who do have the stinky genes but don't use deodorant.